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Celtic trio performing in town March 13 

Story Road will be playing a St. Patrick’s show in Paso Robles

Screen Shot 2013-02-28 at 6.53.18 AMStory Road will be playing two St. Patrick’s shows in San Luis Obispo County as part of their month-long West Coast Spring Tour. The new Celtic trio is known for its lively selection of pure-drop dance tunes and songs from Ireland and Scotland, from rip-roaring reels and jaunty jigs to heart-tugging ballads. Story Road features three of the West Coast’s most talented and best-loved Celtic music performers: Colleen Raney, John Weed, and Stuart Mason. On these shows they will be joined by button accordionist Johnny B. Connolly.

  • Wednesday March 13: The Park Ballroom, 1232 Park St #200, Paso Robles, CA
  • Time: 7:00 PM
  • Tickets: $15/person or $25/couple suggested donation. No advance sales.
  • Contact: allisonhayward@aol.com

 

Among the finest interpreters of traditional songs of her generation, Raney grew up inspired by the Irish and Scottish songs and tunes in the rich Irish community in Seattle. Her three solo CDs have staked her claim as a serious presence in Celtic music today and provoked Hearth Music to enthuse, “Singing with a deep love for the tradition and the dark poetry of Celtic song, Colleen has been drawing new life from old ballads and renewing our love for Celtic music.” In concert, Colleen’s gorgeous voice and vivacious personality have made her an audience favorite wherever she performs.

John and Stuart are also members of Molly’s Revenge, the popular powerhouse Celtic band known for its infectious enthusiasm, which has performed at festivals and venues throughout the USA, Scotland, Australia, and China. National Heritage Award recipient, Irish musician and Irish music authority Mick Moloney has said, “There is an engaging freshness and impressive maturity in their playing.” The two are also members of the bluegrass-roots trio Little Black Train.

An accomplished fiddler across genres, John Weed has lived in Ireland, learning from older fiddlers while immersing himself in the traditional styles of Sligo and Donegal. The result is in an old-time Irish fiddling style that compliments his forays into bluegrass, swing and other American music. Stuart Mason has been performing traditional music for over 30 years, everything from Celtic and bluegrass to his own compositions, which have won awards from the West Coast Songwriters Association.

Story Road is:

  • Colleen Raney – vocals, bodhrán, guitar
  • Stuart Mason – vocals, guitar, mandola
  • John Weed – vocals, fiddle

 

Button accordionist Johnny B. Connolly will join Story Road for the final leg of our month-long St. Patrick’s West Coast Tour. On beautiful ballads and blazing tunes alike, Johnny’s nimble style always adds fire and passion.

Johnny B. Connolly was born and raised in Dublin, Ireland. He began playing when he was eight and by age 15 he was a regular feature around his hometown, performing with musicians sometimes twice his age. Johnny’s dexterity on the accordion earned him a place with the established Celtic ensemble Anam at the age of seventeen. In 1996 Johnny seized an opportunity to bring his skills to America. In 2001 he signed with Green Linnet Records and released his first album entitled Bridgetown, named after his adopted hometown of Portland. While based in Portland, Johnny tours internationally, performing at festivals, concerts, and schools.

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About the author: Publisher Scott Brennan

Scott Brennan is the publisher of this newspaper and founder of Access Publishing. Follow him on Twitter, LinkedIn, or follow his blog.